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I am presently a university student in the United Kingdom. I attempted to establish a student bank account through HSBC, but my application was declined due to a poor credit score. After some online research, I suspect this may be because there isn't much information available about my financial history. I was advised to get in touch with Experian, which I did. However, the phone assistance I received from them was minimal, and they required me to become a member, yet they couldn't find any information related to me. Consequently, I find myself trapped in a frustrating and unending loop.

Need advice from anyone. . .

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    You're were advised by who? Credit score generally is not needed for a regular bank account.
    – littleadv
    Commented Oct 30, 2023 at 15:32
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    @littleadv A fundamental difference in UK current bank accounts versus US checking accounts are in the UK, they are generally associated with an overdraft facility, a revolving line of credit. This is used in the same way that credit card borrowing is used. The interest on the overdraft is a significant revenue source for the bank, thus it is pushed onto as many accounts as possible. If you don't qualify for such a line of credit, the bank is far less interested in handling your money.
    – user71659
    Commented Oct 30, 2023 at 20:35
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    You mentioned in your other question that you're an international student? HSBC has a specific account for international students, might be worth applying for this specifically if you didn't already hsbc.co.uk/current-accounts/products/international-student
    – JayFor
    Commented Oct 30, 2023 at 20:57
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    @user71659 how would the chicken and egg problem be solved in the UK then?
    – littleadv
    Commented Oct 30, 2023 at 21:25
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    @littleadv Dealing with smaller banks and building societies (credit unions) who will be more flexible and will open an account without overdraft. Like the US, there's poor credit bank accounts without checkwriting. Having utility bills, cell phone bills, rent, hire purchase agreements (installment plans) in your name. Borrowing cash is significantly riskier than other types of lines of credit.
    – user71659
    Commented Oct 30, 2023 at 21:36

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Paying money to a credit reference agency will make no difference to your creditworthiness. It will only allow you to see more details of how your credit rating is calculated.

Try another bank. There are many more to choose from, and most of them have student bank accounts specifically tailored for people who have little or no credit history.

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